n tubes.

Seconds later the giant shock absorbers crunched on the ramp and Tom
closed the master switch cutting all power. He glanced at the astral
chronometer over his head and then turned to speak into the audio log
recorder. "Rocket cruiser _Polaris_ completed space flight one-seven-six
at 1301."

Captain Strong stepped up to Tom and clapped him on the shoulder.
"Secure the _Polaris_, Tom, and tell Astro to get the reactant pile from
the firing chamber ready for dumping when the hot-soup wagon gets here."
The Solar Guard officer referred to the lead-lined jet sled that removed
the reactant piles from all ships that were to be laid up for longer
than three days. "And you'd better get over to your dorm right away,"
Strong continued. "You have to get ready for parade and full Corps
dismissal."

Tom grinned. "Yes, sir!"

"We're blasting off, sir," said Tony Richards, stepping forward with his
unit mates. "Congratulations again, Corbett. I still can't figure out
how you did it so quickly!"

"Thanks, Tony," replied Tom graciously. "It was luck and the pressure of
good competition."

Richards shook hands and then turned to Strong. "Do I have your
permission to leave the ship, sir?" he asked.

"Permission granted," replied Strong. "And have a good leave."

"Thank you, sir."

The three _Arcturus_ cadets saluted and left the ship. A moment later
Roger and Astro joined Strong and Tom on the control deck.

"Well," said Strong, "what nonsense have you three planned for your
leave? Try and see Liddy Tamal. I hear she's making a new stereo about
the Solar Guard. You might be hired as technical assistants." He smiled.
The famous actress was a favorite of the cadets. Strong waited. "Well,
is it a secret?"

"It was your idea, Astro," said Roger. "Go ahead."

"Yeah," said Tom. "You got us into this."

"Well, sir," mumbled Astro, turning red with embarrassment, "we're going
to Venus."

"What's so unusual about going to Venus?" asked Strong.

"We're going hunting," replied Astro.

"Hunting?"

"Yes, sir," gulped the big Venusian. "For tyrannosaurus."

Strong's jaw dropped and he sat down suddenly on the nearest
acceleration cushion. "I expected something a little strange from you
three whiz kids." He laughed. "It would be impossible for you to go home
and relax for a month. But this blasts me! Hunting for a tyrannosaurus!
What are you going to do with it after you catch it?" He paused and then
added, "If you do."